Spectrum

/ˈspɛktrəm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a band of colors, as seen in a rainbow, produced by separation of the components of light by their different degrees of refraction according to wavelength.

The artist used a vibrant spectrum of colors to create a stunning mural.

a range of different positions, opinions, or qualities.

The political spectrum in the country includes a wide range of ideologies from liberal to conservative.

a continuous range of values or a scale.

The researchers conducted a study on the spectrum of mental health issues faced by young adults.

in physics, the distribution of energy emitted by a source or the range of light wavelengths.

The spectrum of the star was analyzed to determine its temperature and composition.

the range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation.

The radio spectrum is regulated to prevent interference between different communication services.

Etymology

Latin 'spectrum', meaning 'image' or ' apparition'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

light spectrum

The range of different wavelengths of light.

political spectrum

The range of political beliefs and opinions.

sound spectrum

The range of frequencies of sound.

Related Words

spectroscopy

The study of the interaction between light and matter to understand the spectrum.

spectrum analyzer

An electronic device that measures the magnitude of an input signal versus frequency within the full frequency range of the instrument.

Slang Meanings

Wide range or variety.

Her interests span the entire spectrum, from knitting to quantum physics.

Used to describe someone's behavior or personality as diverse or complex.

He's got a bit of a spectrum personality; he can be super chill one moment and then very intense the next.